Symbolic Adoption

• The WWF has more than 100 species available for symbolic adoption. When a donor adopts an animal, he typically receives a package that includes a photo of the animal, information about the species, an "adoption certificate" and a plush toy. This makes adoptions a popular gift option, especially for children. Many individuals, especially adults, opt not to receive the plush toy because it saves the WWF money and frees more resources for its work.
  
  

Why Symbolic

• When a consumer makes a symbolic adoption, she does not receive an actual animal. In most cases, that would be illegal and unethical. Most of the species are endangered, and most consumers would not have the means or knowledge to care for the animal properly. The adoption money also does not go to care for a specific animal. The cost of adoption, which is usually less than $100, would not be enough to care for an animal for a year, nor would it be enough to track and monitor a specific animal.
  
  

Habitat and Protection

• What the money is used for is protecting the species in question. This means protecting the animals' habitat as well as working with other organizations, lobbying groups, local and national governments and international organizations such as the World Bank to protect endangered species legally. In addition to loss of habitat, hunting and poaching are a serious threat to many species. Among its many programs, the WWF has established a network that reaches out to and educates indigenous tribes in places such as the Congo and the Amazon about endangered species and conservation.
  
  

Value

• The symbolic adoption program allows the WWF to offer donations as a tangible gift. At the same time, the program raises awareness of the plight of endangered species and provides information about the animals themselves. While symbolic adoption doesn't involve the adoption of a particular animal, it does have the effect of helping to preserve endangered species around the world.